Polyurethane topcoat for epoxy

his is the question we get asked all the time. Is it essential or just another sales trick to make you buy the more expensive option?

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Well, we will be completely honest and say that although we do believe having a topcoat is beneficial, it is not always necessary.

Let’s first look at Epoxy flooring.

You might have already noticed that we recommend that our installers use only 100% solids epoxy. We’ve already discussed that 100% solids epoxy is the best option. It is strong, durable, and thick, providing better protection for your concrete floor. It can be chemical and impact-resistant. It’s great for heavy-traffic areas. It’s heat resistant (to certain degrees). So why would you even put a top coat on top of it?

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Well, it’s simple. Epoxies are made to provide thickness and adhesion to concrete. A polyurethane topcoat adds extra protection to the epoxy and your floor. It’s like being naked versus wearing clothes or, more appropriately, wearing a jacket in winter.

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It is not choosing one but combining both to achieve significant and durable flooring.

What is so magical about a Polyurethane topcoat?

Polyurethane top coating is a much thinner coating, but when applied over epoxy, it provides a unique number of advantages.

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The main benefit of a topcoat is that it is UV stable. In comparison, epoxy on its own is not, meaning that overtimes if exposed to direct sunlight, the color yellows. A polyurethane topcoat prevents this.

Polyurethane is chemically resistant and resistant to staining from hot tires. It is also resistant to complex chemicals, food acids, and other acids. If you use your garage for a puppy training area or a home brewery, a polyurethane top would be recommended, as it can resist acids and prevent them from soaking into the epoxy.

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It is impact- and abrasion-resistant, making epoxy more durable when applied to the top.

Polyurethane topcoat can come in a clear satin, semi-gloss, or colored finish.

The way the concrete has been laid and the weather

The way the concrete is laid and the weather can play vital roles in its strength. On sunny or windy days, where the top of the slab dries out quicker than the bottom, the top of the concrete surface can become crusty, leading to potential hairline and shrinkage cracks.

Hot weather and heat also cause the concrete to expand. When the concrete expands, it pushes against anything in its way. As neither the concrete nor the walls are flexible, this results in cracking.

Is it worth choosing a Polyurethane topcoat?

As we said, a polyurethane topcoat is more beneficial than epoxy. However, if you have a garage that does not receive direct sunlight for an extended period of time and you use it only to pull in and out of your car, then having just two coats of 100% Solids epoxy will be sufficient.

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If you use your garage for more than parking your car (repair shop, puppy training area, gym, etc.) and it gets a lot of sunlight, a polyurethane topcoat would be recommended.

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Please note that if the concrete slab is not prepared well and the epoxy cannot bond to it, it does not matter whether you use the best epoxy on the market; it is guaranteed that after a year or so, it will chip or peel off.